Clothing for Climbing Kilimanjaro

Clothing
1 Waterproof Jacket - breathable with hood (essential).
1 Waterproof pants - breathable (essential) - recommend you have side zippers for your legs.
1 Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down (essential).
1 Jacket - soft shell or fleece.
1 Light weight short sleeve shirt, moisture-wicking type fabric.
2 Long Sleeve Shirts, light-weight, moisture-wicking type fabric.
2 Pairs of hiking pants - zippers to convert to short if desired.
1 Pair fleece Pants - mid weight to heavy weight.
1 Pair hiking shorts for the first or last day (optional).
1 Pair long underwear (top and bottom) - thermals (recommended) with moisture-wicking fabric recommended.
3 Pairs underwear briefs (moisture-wicking fabric recommended).
1 Pair skins (recommended - particularly if prone to chaffing).

Headwear
1 Hat - wide brimmed hat for sun protection (recommended).
1 Scarf or neck gaiter - also known as a neck warmer (recommended).
1 Knit wool hat for warmth - beanie (essential).
1 Balaclava - for face coverage (optional).
1 Pair down mittens or gloves - warm (waterproof recommended). Ski gloves work well if you have them.
1 Pair light weight waterproof gloves that allow you to use your fingers more than ski gloves would (optional)
1 Glove Liners, thin, synthetic, worn under gloves for added warmth (optional).
Hand warmers - optional but worth considering.

Footwear
1 Pair hiking boots. Waterproof (Goretex). Well worn in, good ankle support with spare pair of laces (essential).
1 Pair running type shoes or sandals for changing into at camp sites (optional).
3 Pair socks. Thick, wool, synthetic or combination of both.
3 Pair sock liners. Synthetic and light. Prevents blisters (optional)
1 Pair gaiters ankle length. Goretex/waterproof. Tracks can be muddy and will prevent scree entering boots (highly recommended).

Knee Supports
If you are someone who finds going downhill difficult after a while, we highly recommend you bring knee supports with you. They may help you as there is quite a bit of downhill walking you will need to do especially after your summit.
 

Equipment

1 Sleeping bag. Three or four seasons bag. Rated to minimum -15 degrees Celsius/ -5 degrees Fahrenheit.
1 Sleeping bag liner for extra warmth (optional)
1 Pair trekking poles. Extendable (highly recommended)
1 Quality head lamp with extra batteries (essential)
1 Back pack or duffel bag - 70 to 90 litres in size (essential). Waterproof essential. To be carried by porter.
1 Back pack - day pack. 25 to 35 litres in size. For personal gear during the day (essential)
1 Day pack cover. Waterproof with elastic outside edge for good fit.

Stuff sacks for contents of back pack. Having several of these allows for items to be kept separated and easy to locate. All items in main back pack need to be water proofed. Use plastic bags if nothing else available.
 

Other Things Recommended to be Carried when Climbing Kilimanjaro

Camera and film or Digital Camera and spare memory cards
Sunglasses with UV-filter lenses
High energy snacks (Cereal bars, dried fruit and nuts)
Spare Contact Lenses and fluid, if worn
Watch
Head torch with spare batteries and bulb for summit night & tent admin
Water bottles & Camelback (3 litres carrying capacity)
Optional but recommended: Nun hydration aids (portable electrolyte replacement tablets)
Water Purification Tablets / Iodine drops
Ear Plugs and blindfold (to aid sleep on afternoon before summit night)
Plastic bags (for dirty washing, wrappings, etc.)
Telescopic walking poles (optional)
Poncho for rainy season (optional)

Health Related Items for Kilimanjaro

Malaria Tablets (if you choose to take these. Most will seek advice from their GP. Note that some anti-malarial courses need to commence several weeks before departure)
Factor 30+ sun cream
Sun barrier cream white / blue for nose and ears

Personal Small First Aid Kit to be Carried by Each Climber on Kilimanjaro

Pain Killers (Ibuprofen)
Diamox (Acetazolamide) if you choose to use this.
Paracetamol
Zinc oxide tape and small scissors.
Compeed Blister Pads
Loperamide Diahorrea Tablets
Any medication you normally use
Dioralyte sachets or similar rehydration packs.

Note that your guide will carry a more comprehensive medical kit containing additional Acetazolamide, Ibuprofen, Anti-inflammatory gel, bandages, Loperamide, Amoxycilin, Oral Dexamethasone, and several other items. Also we carry emergency oxygen.

Other personal items

Toiletries
Prescriptions
Sunscreen (30+ essential)
Lip Balm
Insect Repellent, containing DEET
First Aid Kit for personal use (Your head guide will carry a comprehensive kit)
Hand Sanitizer
Toilet Paper (optional, toilet paper will be provided with your private toilet facility)
Wet Wipes - flat pack type (recommended)
Snacks, light-weight, high calorie, high energy (optional)
Pencil and Notebook, miniature, for trip log (optional)
Camera, with extra batteries (optional)

Documents Needed when Travelling to Kilimanjaro (Paperwork)

Passport (with additional 6 months’ validity after proposed expedition return date)
Tanzanian Entry Visa
Cash in US dollars in denominations of $10 and $20 and $1 (tipping allowance and local purchases, taxis, meals, etc)
Credit Card (recommended for eventualities only)
Travel Insurance Documents
Vaccination Certificates (Yellow Fever, if visiting a ‘risk zone’ prior to entering Tanzania) check if required at http://www.taa.go.tz/index.php/traveller-guides/health-requirements

Traveller’s Cheques are not recommended as they are subject to very poor conversion rates in Arusha.

Weight Limit

You are limited to bringing 15kg of your personal gear (excluding the items that you will carry in your personal day pack) in a waterproof 70 to 90 litre back pack or duffel bag. This will be carried by a porter for you. You must stay within this guideline as these porter weights will be checked and enforced. All porters work under strict rules and for their safety cannot carry more than permissible. If you wish to carry more weight in addition to the above, extra porters can hired. Please let us know if you have extra gear you wish to have carried.

Rental/Hire Equipment

Equipment that you may not readily own, such as gaiters, can be rented. We have an extensive list of items and their cost. You will need to give us notice in advance of what items you wish to rent.

Storage

Like many people who trek Kilimanjaro, you may also be taking a Safari or going to Zanzibar as a well earned rest after your climb. If you are you may have a lot more luggage wit you than you will need for your trek. Other luggage and items brought to Tanzania that you do not require for your trek can be stored at the hotel.

NB: Take your Hiking Boots on the Plane

We always recommend that you carry or wear your hiking boots on the plane just in case your luggage is delayed or lost. Items of clothing can be replaced, but it is hard to replace your hiking boots. There are quality clothing outfitters in Arusha if the need arises or you have left something at home that cannot be rented.